Last week

I took a few pictures of some things we did last week. I am trying to keep daddy up to date on what his girls are doing while he is away.

Found a new park that the girls love!

Aubrey and I were invited to Hina Matsuri which is "girls day" in Japan. Our Japanese host was so welcoming, considerate, and accommodating. She served us a traditional Japanese lunch that is specific to Hina Matsuri. We ate on her heated wood floors and sipped Japanese tea together.  It was really neat to see a Japanese home, it was my first time to be in one. I joined a cultural exchange group where we meet once a month with our Japanese friends, they host a month and then we (Americans) host the following month. After much discussion at lunch it was decided that we will take them to Chili's on base in April. They are so excited to eat in a real American restaurant! 

Aubrey with the Hina Dolls. They are given as gifts from grandparents. Some Japanese women inherit huge displays.

 I met a group of my friends one day for a hike in Taura to see the beautiful Ume blossums. I would like to hike it again with the girls before the blooms are gone but it is quite the hike with lots of steps! At the top of the mountain we ate a picnic lunch and bought Ume wine to share. It was a wonderful day!

This might be my favorite temple so far. Its called Hokoku-ji and its very close to where we live. We stumbled upon it one day running errands. I even had my big camera with me at the time which never happens!

You walk through a garden of bamboo trees with a stone path and little stone bridges. 

In the back of the bamboo garden you are severed Matcha tea (similar to our green tea). They make it in front of you!

Japan is quickly stealing my heart!